"We started to come up with a rescue plan and began filling the pile with water," one of the men said. "But it wasn't clear if the water would completely fill the pile, allowing the seagulls to float to the top."

So instead, the men opted for "Plan B." They attached a long rope to a bucket, which they then dropped down into the pipe. One by one, they scooped up the birds and brought them to the surface.

It took a few attempts to get the last seagull - which looked pretty snug in the bucket when it was brought to the surface.